Phoenix Coyotes make statement with win over Vancouver Canucks

It's an intangible that has propelled them when games seemed lost, and they tapped into it once again Tuesday night and maintained their lead in the Pacific Division, ending February with an 11-0-1 record for the month.

This time it took a shootout, and the 2-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks in front of 16,691 at Jobing.com Arena gave the Coyotes their sixth win in a row and 75 points for the season. Goaltender Mike Smith again was dominant, extending his franchise record to 11 consecutive wins as he made 39 saves.

Ray Whitney recorded the tying goal midway through the third period and scored in the shootout to set up the winning goal by Mikkel Boedker.

"We worked hard tonight," Whitney said. "The skill level and pace they (Canucks) play at is very high, and for a bunch of muckers like us, we got to we got to put the work boots on and just try to stay as close as we can and get some timely production.

"And again, I can't emphasize enough the guy in net was key for us again."

Early in the overtime, the Canucks had a 3-on-1, with Henrik and Daniel Sedin leading the way, and Smith had a highlight save to keep the Coyotes in the game.

Smith said the defense in front of him allowed him a clear view of the puck most of the night.

"The 'D' were outstanding again, they have been the whole month," he said. "We've improved so much as a group, just finding ways to win hockey games, and tonight was another instance of that. It was a huge two points against one of the best hockey teams in the league."

Canucks goaltender Cory Schneider made several quality stops and finished with 34 saves.

Whitney tied the score 1-1 with 10:17 left in the third period, knocking in a backhand after a shot by Keith Yandle from just inside the red line. Adrian Aucoin also assisted on Whitney's 19th of the season. The Canucks had taken a 1-0 lead on a flukish power-play goal by Alexander Edler in the first period after the puck bounced off Aucoin and Chris Summers.

Boedker scored his third consecutive goal in shootout situations.

"Its confidence," he said. "Knowing you can score coming down on a breakaway, it's huge. I was thinking I had to change it (his move) up.

"We've got to give everybody credit. It took a lot out of us to get to a shootout, and we got there, and happy I could help and score the final goal."

Shane Doan, who had seven hits, said the win capped a superb month.

"That was a great win," he said. "Smitty was unbelievable. Their goalie was really good, too. We were fortunate to get the two points."

The Coyotes have had some bounces to their way during their hot streak, and coach Dave Tippett said there is a fine line between winning and losing.

The key, he said, is recognizing the things that are done well that have allowed his team to be successful.

"We've set a standard on what we expected from each other every night," he said. "When you do things right, and everybody contributes, you have a good chance of success. We got some momentum and kind of rallied around it this month.

"Tonight was a perfect example of that. Everyone in our lineup contributed."

View from the press box

General Manager Don Maloney made the steal of the off-season when he acquired a backup goaltender named Mike Smith. Seems all "Smitty" needed was the chance to prove he could be a starting goaltender. He took it and ran with it, and he's the key reason the Coyotes are leading their division and making a strong bid for a third consecutive playoff spot.

Report

Key player

Coyotes goalie Mike Smith recorded his 11th win in a row, making 39 saves.

Key moment

Coyotes left wing Ray Whitney scored midway through the third period to rally the Coyotes and help send the game into overtime.

Key number

3 Goals by Coyotes forward Mikkel Boekder in his past three shootout attempts.

Predators update: Nashville, fifth in the Western Conference with 87 points, is seeking its third consecutive win on the first stop of a four-game road trip. RW Martin Erat leads a balanced offensive effort with 16 goals, 33 assists and 49 points. G Pekka Rinne has 38 wins, a .925 save percentage and a 2.35 goals-against average.